The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.

Loading ...

Loading ...

This story appears in the {{article.article.magazine.pretty_date}} issue of {{article.article.magazine.pubName}}. Subscribe

Many wealthy, politically active families have a long-standing tradition.

Campaign contributions are made not only in the parents' names, but in the children's.

In an age when campaign contribution limits meant something, it was sometimes questionable whether offspring really believed in the candidate or mom and dad simply wanted to circumvent spending ceilings.

Now, in the era of super PACs and other outside political groups, such workarounds are no longer necessary. Yet the tradition continues.

We've counted more than 60 sons and daughters of billionaires who made donations during the current election cycle. Our tally includes adult offspring, as well as younger donors who often list their occupation as "student."

Shelley Adelson gave $500,000 in February to Winning Our Future, the super PAC supporting Newt Gingrich's run for president. The family, which collectively gave more than $20 million to the group, has since switched allegiances to Mitt Romney.

At the other end of the spectrum, Alexander Soros, son of financier George Soros, has contributed $248,000. His largest donation, of $200,000, went to the Jewish Council for Education & Research.

Gary Lauder, son of cosmetics magnate Leonard A. Lauder, has given more than $140,000 to Democratic committees. His father sometimes veers from the party line, supporting not only Obama and other Democrats, but relatively moderate Republicans such as Olympia Snowe and Jon Huntsman.

Audrey Simons, daughter of hedge fund billionaire James H. Simons, has given nearly $112,000 to Democrats, with most going to Obama. Her brother Nathaniel has given more than $134,000.

However, neither sibling comes close to the generosity of their father, who has contributed $2 million to PACs supporting Democratic candidates.

Matthew Moroun, son of Detroit bridge and trucking billionaire Manuel Moroun, has contributed $111,100 this cycle, with his biggest checks going to the Republican Party.